Three hurt seriously in Franklin crash

Two young men were flown by LifeFlight helicopters to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester Friday morning and another was taken via ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, all with serious injuries, after their SUV struck a tree.

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Milford Daily News

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 23, 2013 at 11:03 PM

By Matt Tota/Daily News staff

Posted Mar. 23, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Mar 23, 2013 at 11:03 PM

FRANKLIN

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Two young men were flown by LifeFlight helicopters to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester Friday morning and another was taken via ambulance to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence, all with serious injuries, after their SUV struck a tree.

Emergency officials from Bellingham and Franklin responded to the crash off Washington Street near the Bellingham town line at 10:05 a.m. Officials had to use a Jaws of Life hydraulic tool before pulling the males from the older model black Chevy Blazer.

Franklin fire officials called for three LifeFlight helicopters, seeing the three had sustained traumatic injuries, said Deputy Fire Chief Paul Sharpe Jr.

Two helicopters landed in Bellingham — but one was completing a mission in Connecticut. And to save time firefighters instead decided to use an ambulance.

"We felt we could transfer one patient quickly by ground to Rhode Island Hospital," Sharpe said.

Crews were on scene for a little more than an hour, according to officials.

Asked if he believed speed was a factor in the crash, Sharpe declined comment, saying the Franklin Police Department is investigating the incident. However, he said, "There was significant front end damage to the vehicle."

"The injuries were substantial enough to require helicopters," he added.

The names of the people in the SUV were not immediately available. Franklin Fire Lt. Thomas Carlucci said they are young adults, between the ages of 17 and 20.

Franklin Police Chief Stephan Semerjian did not return a call for comment.

Matt Tota can be reached at 508-634-7521 or mtota@wickedlocal.com. For Franklin and Bellingham news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MattTotaMDN.